Nervous System
Neural Transmission
Synaptic Plasticity
Stress Responses
Coping and the Gut
100
The two main divisions of the human nervous system.
Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
100
The tiny gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another.
Synaptic gap (synaptic cleft)
100
The ability of synapses to change in strength, number and location in response to experience.
Synaptic plasticity
100
A stressor originating from outside the person, e.g. a car accident or an exam.
External stressor
100
Lazarus and Folkman's model where stress results from the person and environment interacting.
Transactional model of stress and coping
200
The division of the PNS that carries sensory info to the CNS and motor messages to skeletal muscles.
Somatic nervous system
200
The main excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS.
Glutamate
200
The long-lasting strengthening of synaptic connections from repeated stimulation.
Long-term potentiation (LTP)
200
The three-part involuntary response to a perceived threat.
Fight-flight-freeze response
200
The appraisal where a person decides whether a stressor is irrelevant, benign-positive or stressful.
Primary appraisal
300
The ANS division that returns the body to a calm state after arousal.
Parasympathetic nervous system
300
The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS.
GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid)
300
The long-lasting weakening of synaptic connections from low or lack of stimulation.
Long-term depression (LTD)
300
The stress hormone released by the adrenal cortex that keeps glucose available for energy.
Cortisol
300
The appraisal where a person evaluates their resources and coping options.
Secondary appraisal
400
An unconscious, involuntary response to sensory stimuli initiated by the spinal cord without brain involvement.
Spinal reflex
400
The neuromodulator most associated with reward-based learning, motor control and pleasure.
Dopamine
400
The growth of new extensions from a neuron (e.g. dendrites, axon terminals) to form new connections.
Sprouting
400
The GAS stage where the body's resistance drops below normal before rising.
Shock (in the alarm reaction stage)
400
A coping strategy that deals directly with the stressor, such as making a study plan.
Approach strategy
500
In a spinal reflex, the neuron in the spinal cord connecting the sensory and motor neurons.
Interneuron
500
How a neuromodulator differs from a neurotransmitter.
It acts on many neurons at once (diffuses widely) and has slower, longer-lasting effects
500
Forming a new connection between active neurons to establish an alternative neural pathway.
Rerouting
500
The GAS stage where resources are depleted and the person becomes vulnerable to illness.
Exhaustion
500
The bidirectional link between the gut microbiota and the CNS that can be disrupted by stress.
Gut-brain axis
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